MAIN Travel Central America Costa Rica

Costa Rica, or in Spanish "rich coast" is an apt description for this tropical paradise in Central America, bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea.

Spanish is the main language in Costa Rica, although English is widely heard in tourist areas and often featured in informational brochures describing its lush and varied flora and fauna.

With almost a quarter of the country given over to protected national parks, Costa Rica offers some of the most diverse natural wonders on earth - including mountains and volcanic areas to beaches and rain forests - inhabited by wildlife ranging from monkeys and wildcats to exotic tropical birds. More than 800 species make Costa Rica prime birdwatching territory, especially along the southern coast.

Costa Rica also offers world-class beaches and surfing along the Pacific coast, known for its idyllic locations and near-perfect conditions for catching the big wave. Parasailing and wind surfing, swimming and beachcombing are also favorite pastimes along either coast.

As in many Central American countries, tourists are most susceptible to theft and pickpocketing. Therefore it's usually recommended that tourists traveling alone keep to main tourist areas, especially in Costa Rica's main capital city of San Jose.

Otherwise, a fairly well-established tourist industry offers guided tours throughout the country, with a keen and growing interest in ecotourism.

More about Costa Rica travel & tourism around the Web:

Costa Rica, No Artifical Ingredients - The official tourism site offering photos and maps, information on top tourist attractions, trusted travel deals and tour operators, suggested hotels and where to go off-the-beaten track.

Costa Rica - Besides travel and tourism, know more about Costa Rica in this virtual encyclopedia with information ranging from art & culture, government and real estate investment to the Costa Rican coffee industry.

Costa Rica Travel Guide and Travel Information - Lonely Planet - Excellent overview of main attractions including ecotourism and top surfing spots, plus practical travel tips with maps and photos, travel videos.

Costa Rica travel guide - Insider views to the country's social customs, food, hotels and main tourist attractions including surfing, birdwatching and national parks with travel safety tips, from Wikitravel.

Costa Rica Photos | Trek Earth - Galleries of breathtaking images, each worth at least a thousand words ...